'asphyxiate' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asphyxia', where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'sphyxis' meant 'pulse'.

'asphyxiate' changed from Greek 'asphyxia' into Late Latin and Medieval Latin forms, passed into French as 'asphyxier', and eventually became the modern English word 'asphyxiate'.

Initially it meant 'without a pulse' or 'lack of pulse', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to deprive of oxygen or cause to suffocate'.